NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Small Business Saturday is celebrated nationwide on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage shoppers to support locally owned stores after Black Friday. This year, we asked business owners about the day’s impact on them.
While most shoppers hit the retail stores, others spent the day shopping with local businesses.
“Feels fantastic to see. So many people are out enjoying this beautiful day and meeting their neighbors, and there are about 80 different artists today,” said business owner Catherine DeYoung.
DeYoung has been a part of the Arts Market since 2013. Around this time of year, she brings out some new pieces.
“It’s very important to come out as a market like this. I like to debut a lot of new pieces that I’ve been working really hard on, and so it feels really good to get presents in the hands of people who are out Christmas shopping,” said DeYoung.
According to American Express, in 2023, shoppers on small business Saturday spent about $17 million shopping locally.
This is John Killeen’s first time being a part of the market, but he sees it as one he wants to continue to be a part of. To him, shopping locally keeps people working, and the city thriving.
“This is a pretty good market where people are just, more people are out spending money. It’s nice to be told people like your work. It feels great. Yeah. I just want them to put their money where their mouth is and come out and buy, support, local art,” said business owner Killeen.
Another artist, known for his colorful paintings, travels from Tennessee just to be a part of the local art market. For him, it shows how much people want to see small businesses stay alive.
“The art market is fantastic because people come and they support local art. They support us artists you know, that’s fabulous. If you can make art that touches people’s hearts and souls, then you’re doing your job,” said business owner Bebo.
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